House Republicans Propose Longer Sentences Under Measure 11

Rep. Gene Whisnant (R-Sunriver) led a House Republican effort to pull HB 3429 out of the House Judiciary Committee, where Democrats have held the bill without a hearing since it was introduced March 20.

Rep. Whisnant urged the House to debate HB 3429, arguing the bill is an important tool for combating methamphetamine and meth-related crime.

“Time is running out this session to expand our fight against methamphetamine,” Rep. Whisnant said. “According to the Portland Police Bureau, meth addicts commit 85 percent of property crime in Oregon. This problem won’t end when we adjourn next month.”

Minimum sentences for other repeat property crimes, such as forgery and fraudulent credit card use, would increase to 18 months. Under HB 3429, offenders would face tougher sentences for each subsequent conviction they receive.